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A trip to Disney World is a dream come true for many. To make the most of your vacation, familiarize yourself with all of the options available to you. Staying in one of Disney's resorts keeps you close to the action and ensures that you have transportation to the park, allowing you to leave your car behind. Many off-property accommodations offer shuttle service to the parks, too. Wherever you choose to stay, plan out your days to minimize your time spent in long lines and under the hot sun, and be sure to pack a few essential items.

Planning

Get a Disney World travel guide before you arrive, especially if this is your first trip. There is so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming. Pick up a map of the parks and a schedule of times for parades and special events.

Attractions close down for renovation and repair from time to time. This information is posted on the Walt Disney World website (disneyworld.disney.go.com) and at the park entrances. Look for boards in the parks that give you approximate wait times for the most popular rides. When you arrive at each attraction, you will also find the wait time posted at the entrance.

When To Go

Your travel schedule may be limited due to school vacations, sports schedules or other commitments. If possible, visit Disney when the crowds are lightest. January to mid-February is a quiet time with cooler weather. May, September through mid-November and the first two weeks of December are relatively quiet times as well. Heavy crowds can be expected during March, April, June, July and early August.

Summer Heat

If you travel to Disney World in the summer, there are ways to beat the heat. Dress for the weather in light-colored, breathable fabrics, and don't forget hats and sunglasses. Sunscreen is also a must for the whole family. Bring along a misting fan --- these little gadgets provide an amazing amount of coolness while you wait in long lines. Keep the family hydrated with plenty of water. Bring along bathing suits so the kids can splash in the fountain areas in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The parks also have misting stations for quick refreshment.

Whenever the heat starts to wear on you, take breaks by browsing through the air-conditioned shops, or stop by an ice cream vendor and then find a shade tree and chill out for a few minutes. If you are staying at one of Disney's resorts, leave the park during the heat of the day, and return to your hotel for an afternoon swim and a quick nap. Then return to the park refreshed for the evening.

What To Bring

Pack a pair of comfortable shoes. Avoid flip-flops and fashion shoes and instead opt for sturdy walking or hiking sandals or athletic shoes and socks. Remember that even though you are heading to Florida, winters can be chilly. Bring along a jacket and long pants. Include a light sweater, even in the summer, as air-conditioning can feel cold after the outside heat. Pack a rain poncho for sudden afternoon showers.

Bring as many personal items as possible. The stores at Disney World have almost everything you need, but you will pay top dollar for them. Invest in a small daypack to carry your family's essentials.

Theme Parks

Get a Fast Pass for the more popular attractions. Go to the Fast Pass distribution center for the ride you are interested in. Insert your park admission ticket and you will receive a time when you can return to the ride. A separate entrance will move you up in the line quickly. Note that some rides have height restrictions --- research these on the Disney website before you go to avoid disappointment.

There are greeting spots throughout the parks where kids can meet their favorite characters. The locations and times are listed on the daily schedules for each park. Have an autograph book and fat pen or marker handy for the characters. Both are sold in the Disney shops if you don't already have them. Characters appreciate the fat pens because they are easier for them to handle.

Dining

Character dining is available in all of the Disney theme parks and at the Magic Kingdom Resorts. These dining options are especially enjoyable for families with younger children. Disney characters come to the table during your meal to meet and greet the kids, sign autographs and pose for pictures. Plan ahead for these dining opportunities. The times fill up well in advance, so make reservations as soon as possible. Indeed, reservations are recommended for all of the table-service restaurants.

Resources

About the Author

Michele Norfleet is a freelance writer who writes on travel, home and garden and education topics. She has coauthored a handbook for teachers on school-wide discipline and has contributed tips for special-needs students in the basal curriculum for RCL Benziger. Norfleet holds a master's degree from Southern Illinois University and has experience as a special-needs teacher and speech pathologist.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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